The return to the Clear Sky Sect after the Sunset Forest was quiet, but now everyone knew: Tang Tian
had awakened his martial spirit and obtained his first spirit ring. This caused some stir among the
students—some with respect, others with silent envy. But Tang Tian remained composed. He did not
seek fame, only progress.
A week passed, then another.
His days became strictly structured.
Every morning, before sunrise, Tang Tian would get out of bed, run around the mountain trail, then
engage in stretching, breathing exercises, and light body-strengthening drills. After a quick breakfast,
he would go to class.
Training at the sect's school took up most of the day. There, students studied the history of martial
spirits, battle tactics, soul beasts, basic alchemy, and survival strategies. Tang Tian absorbed everything
like a sponge. His thirst for knowledge surprised even the instructors.
After school, he would head to the back courtyard to practice his combat skill. His first spirit ring, gained
from the Illusion Mist Fox, gave him the technique "Mist of Memory Strike," a short-term mental stun.
His grandfather supervised the training and sometimes offered corrections, though he rarely interfered.
But everything changed one evening.
As the sun had nearly disappeared behind the mountain peaks, his grandfather called him to the back
courtyard. There, under a canopy on an old wooden table, lay an item wrapped in dark cloth.
"Come here, Tian," his grandfather said.
Tang Tian approached. His grandfather silently removed the cloth.
Before him lay a hammer. Its appearance was simple, without unnecessary decorations—but it radiated
deep strength. A short handle, a heavy square head engraved with the symbols of the Clear Sky Sect.
The metal had a matte surface but gleamed in the sunlight like a shield.
"I forged it myself," said his grandfather. "It's yours."
Tang Tian carefully picked up the hammer. It was heavier than expected, but it felt right in his hands. His
body adjusted instinctively. It felt like this weight had always been a part of him.
"Now that you have a weapon," his grandfather continued, "we will begin real training. Until now, you've
been strengthening your body and spirit. But now—it's time to learn to wield the hammer. Not as a toy.
But as an extension of yourself."
"I'm ready, Grandfather," Tang Tian replied firmly.
"We will start with the basics: stances, strikes, weight, and momentum. Until you can hold it like your
own shadow."
From the next morning, his schedule changed.
After morning runs and school, instead of immediate spirit meditation, Tang Tian headed to the
courtyard. There, under his grandfather's watchful eye, a new phase began.
The first days were tough. Strike after strike. The hammer's weight took its toll—muscles burned, his
back ached. But the boy never complained. He bore the pain silently. Day by day, his movements grew
sharper, his strikes more precise, his breathing calmer.
After training came spirit technique practice, now in motion, combined with physical attacks. Only after
all that did he meditate in the evening. With each passing day, his spirit power grew more stable, his
mind clearer.
His grandfather watched silently, but his eyes shone with pride.
"This boy... He is not only talented. He has the heart of a warrior. Not showy. But true."
More than two years passed since Tang Tian received his first spirit ring. All this time he trained
diligently—body, mind, and spirit.
Now he sat in meditation, legs crossed on a smooth stone under the pines. A light breeze rustled the
leaves, but Tang Tian remained deeply focused, his breathing calm and steady.
Meditation was ending. He opened his eyes, his gaze deep and filled with thought.
"Tang San and I are the same age. When I turn twelve, he'll already be heading to Shrek Academy."
Tang Tian focused his eyes on the horizon.
"And I... I'm not even sure if I want to go there. My path is different."
He slowly clenched his fist.
"Immortal herbs... I must claim them for myself, not leave them for Tang San."
He had read about these legendary herbs in the Sect's library, where many accurate records from the
Breaking Clan were kept. It was known that the plants grew in Dugu Bo's garden.
"My grandfather is a Titled Douluo, and he could defeat Dugu Bo. But poison... that's another matter.
Even he couldn't protect me if I were nearby."
He leaned slightly forward, as if trying to catch every word in the wind.
"Everything must be planned carefully. No rushing."
Another image came to mind—Whale Glue, a unique substance with special properties.
"How do I tell Grandfather about this?.. Better to wait until I leave on my journey. Then I'll show him
what I've found."
He looked at his palm, feeling the steady pulse of energy within.
"I've already reached level eighteen. I feel I'm close to breaking through to the nineteenth."
His gaze grew distant.
"I wonder what level Tang San is at now?"
But the question went unanswered. In Tang Tian's heart, there was no conflict or urge to catch up—only
confidence in his own path.
"I'm walking my own road. And when the time comes, I will be ready for everything."
Half a year of nonstop training, challenges, and steady growth bore fruit. Evening in the Clear Sky Sect's
house was quiet—only the rustling wind outside and the soft glow of candles filled the room.
Tang Tian sat at the table and, lifting his eyes to his grandfather, said:
"Grandfather, I have reached level twenty."
His grandfather, who had long observed his grandson's growth, smiled widely.
"Well done, Tang Tian. You are truly gifted. Not everyone can endure the training you've gone through.
Your perseverance and patience—that is true strength."
"Thank you, Grandfather," Tang Tian replied seriously.
"In a few days, we will go hunting for your spirit ring," his grandfather continued. "Prepare yourself. It
will not be easy."
The next morning, they set off into a deep forest beyond the village—a place where ancient secrets still
lingered and rarest soul beasts hid.
For a week they traveled through trails, climbing and descending rocky slopes, pushing through thick
undergrowth, carefully listening and studying tracks.
And then, on one shaded hill, among rocks and old roots, they saw it.
A spirit beast—the Black Flame Serpent.
A majestic creature whose scales were like thick black tar, shimmering with glints resembling living
flame. Its body flowed smoothly between the trees, graceful, flexible, and unpredictable like windblown
fire.
The snake's age was estimated to be around 700-800 years, and its spirit radiated immense power.
The serpent wasn't aggressive, but its power was overwhelming—it could strike fast, moving with
lightning speed.
The battle was difficult. Tang Tian narrowly avoided strikes multiple times, feeling that each moment
could be his last. But with training, agility, and his grandfather's support, he managed to land a decisive
hammer blow.
After absorbing the spirit ring that appeared above the serpent's body, Tang Tian felt his mind sharpen.
"Time Sense"
This ability greatly enhanced his perception of time, increasing reaction speed and allowing him to see
enemies and actions as if in slow motion. In battle, this gave a massive advantage, enabling perfect
dodges and timely counters.
As evening fell and they returned home, Tang Tian quietly said:
"This spirit ring opens new horizons. My thinking and movement have become sharper. I'm ready for
the next step."
His grandfather smiled in reply:
"Your path is just beginning. Continue with the same perseverance—and your strength will have no
limits."
Upon returning to the Clear Sky Sect, his grandfather calmly looked at Tang Tian and said:
"It's time to move from simple training to real battles. To become truly strong, you must learn to fight
not only your limits but also living opponents. So I've arranged a series of training matches for you—
daily sparring. It is there you will refine your skills and gain invaluable experience."
The next day, they arrived at the arena. Bright sunlight illuminated the round platform with a solid
stone floor, and a small crowd of students and mentors gathered around.
Opposite Tang Tian stood his opponent—a 31-rank warrior, Tang Wei, known for his cold demeanor and
mastery of the Clear Sky Hammer.
The fight began instantly: Tang Wei lunged forward, activating "Iron Shield," forming a strong barrier
that absorbed strikes. Tang Tian launched powerful attacks, but most were deflected by the shield.
An attempt to flank was unsuccessful—Tang Wei activated "Lightning Strike," a flurry of fast attacks
forcing Tang Tian to dodge at his limit.
Despite this, Tang Tian spotted a weak spot in Wei's defense and struck with a powerful hammer swing
that nearly broke through the barrier and hit the warrior.
But Tang Wei didn't yield. Gathering his spirit power, he used "Thunder of the Unbroken"—a devastating
blow that exploded at the point of impact and threw Tang Tian to the ground.
Tang Tian struggled to rise, heart pounding, but strength left his body.
"You are very close to victory," Tang Wei said coldly, "but true strength still takes time."
His grandfather, who had watched from the side, approached and placed a hand on his grandson's
shoulder:
"This is only the beginning, Tang Tian. Every defeat is a step toward power. Train harder, and next time,
you will win."
After the battle, Tang Tian went to the healing baths, where hot water with medicinal herbs helped ease
pain and restore strength. Determination burned in his eyes—he knew battles only forged his spirit and
body.
For three years straight, Tang Tian trained tirelessly, forging body and soul through constant battles. At
first, his opponents were warriors ranked 25 to 35—challenging but manageable. Over time, with strict
training under his grandfather and his unique method of raising difficulty—increased gravity from his
fifth spirit ring—the combat drills became ever more intense. Frequent fights with various opponents
helped Tang Tian grow rapidly in strength.
Within a year, most warriors below rank 30 could no longer pose a real challenge—Tang Tian became
one of the sect's top fighters. He wasn't afraid to set high goals, even challenging warriors of rank 40
and above. Though he lost most of these duels, each fight was a priceless experience that pushed him
further.
Many in the sect began to admire the young warrior: his tenacity, skill, and unbreakable spirit became
an example for others.
Alongside training, Tang Tian crafted his own plan—how to obtain the rare immortal herbs he would
need for future trials. He studied poisons, their properties, and countermeasures in depth, knowing
that luck was only part of success, and caution and knowledge could save his life.